sleep

[C. L. Luft]

Has insomnia tortured you to the point where you are looking into sleep aids? If so you are definitely not alone, it is estimated that more than 35 million Americans suffer from long term insomnia and require a sleep aids to get the sleep they need to function. Unfortunately in many cases sleep aids actually impair function, and leave the user worse off than before he or she began to use them. Benzodiazepines like Xanax, as well as non-benzodiazepine sleep aids like Ambien carry with them life-disrupting side effects. Before resorting to prescription sleep aids there are lifestyle changes you can try; cut down on coffee and cigarettes, especially before bedtime. Flipping your mattress, adjusting room temperature and trying to drown out noise can all be used in place of sleep aids. If those don't work the next step should be herbal sleep aids which provide relief without side effects, addiction or overdose. Herbal sleep aids are more effective that a lot of people give them credit for. Only after you have tried all of these or determined that the insomnia is caused by a serious physical problem should you consider prescription sleep aids.

The most common [kw]sleep disorder[kw] is onset insomnia, or in other words a difficulty falling asleep. Luckily, it is a treatable form of sleep disorder, and can be dealt with without the use of pharmaceutical drugs. There are herbal remedies specifically designed for this sleep disorder which produce a calm that leaves the mind at ease, relaxed and in a good state for sleep. Many of these will also relax the muscles, which is very good for those who suffer from sudden cramps in the night. This type of sleep disorder is usually temporary, and can be even shorter with proper treatment. Many doctors will rush to prescribe Ambien or Xanax for a stress related sleep disorder like onset insomnia, but this is usually not necessary and can do more harm than good. People who use these drugs, even for a short amount of time, often end up dependant on them for a proper night's sleep and the sleep disorder worsens when they try to stop using them

Sleeping pills come in many different forms, but the two most common are benzodiazepines (sleeping pills like Ativan and Valium) and sleeping pills like Ambien. While they are usually effective in the treatment of insomnia induced by anxiety, they risks and side effects of prescription sleeping pills can be extreme and far outweigh the benefits. For example, Xanax has been known to cause hallucinations, blurred vision and sometimes even increased anxiety and depression, which exacerbates insomnia. Ambien sleeping pills also quickly induce sleep but still have a wide range of negative side effects. In addition, Ambien can cause an overdose and is suspected in the death of actor Heath Ledger. Because of all of this, prescription sleeping pills are generally not recommended and even doctors won't prescribe them for long periods of time. Herbal supplements and relaxation techniques should be used in place of sleeping pills wherever possible.

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